Shirley Cameron

On September 29, 2021, Creator called Shirley home to the Spirit World, knowing her work here on earth was done. Our sister was 62 years old and had been living in Edmonton, AB. Big Shirley, as she was known within our family, faced many struggles over her lifetime, and yet she remained gentle and kind to others. As the only child of Delores Cameron (deceased), Big Shirley was raised for a while in foster care, and then came to live with her Aunty Hazel and Uncle Steve and us five siblings. She was raised in our family for 12 years as our sister.

At the young age of 16, Big Shirley married Ted Boyechko, and a few years later they had two children together, Candace Dawn and Teddy Jr. Big Shirley spoke of her love for her children and her grandchild; she missed them and regretted the time spent apart from her children and family. Shirley’s life was greatly affected by the unhealed intergenerational trauma that is the legacy of the Indian Residential School system and it’s lasting impact within our family systems, and she followed the trail of addictions used to cope with that pain.

Shirley was predeceased by her mom Delores and her grandparents Tommy and Annie Cameron, and was a member of Swan Lake First Nation. As her relatives, we are thankful that Creator placed her in our circle. We give thanks for our moments together that we cherish as a family, and we give thanks for the challenging times, too, for it is then that we learn what unconditional love really means. As a teacher, Big Shirley modelled and showed us how to walk with a gentle spirit and to be kind, even when facing a difficult road. May you walk amongst the stars, Shirley, with your head held high knowing that you are loved. Until we meet again, Little Shirley

Wake will take place at Swan Lake Cultural Centre on Tuesday, October 12, 2021 at 4:00 pm.  Feast and Ceremony will be held at Swan Lake Cultural Centre on Wednesday, October 13, 2021 beginning at noon followed by burial at the Indian Springs Cemetery.

A tree will be planted in memory and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel.  www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com